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Austin, Minnesota, Student Athlete Dies 10 Days After Collapse At Practice

Student Athlete Dies 10 Days after Collapse at Practice

Chris Fischer

A 14-year-old Austin, Minnesota, football player has died 10 days after collapsing at a team practice, school officials said.

An obituary for Chris Fischer says the student athlete died at a Rochester hospital on Saturday of complications from cardiac arrest.

Superintendent David Krenz said in an email Fischer had a medical emergency on August 22 and was taken to the hospital by paramedics after school employees rendered a first response. Krenz said the district is supporting the football team and its coaches, and have made counselors available to them.

Counselors will also be available for students beginning the school year on Tuesday.

The district is planning a memorial service at the school for Fischer next Sunday, though details have not been finalized, Krenz said.

Fischer’s obituary says arrangements are pending. According to ABC affiliate KAAL, a visitation is being planned at the Clasen-Jordan Mortuary in Austin.

From a post to Fischer's CaringBridge page Saturday:

"Peacefully and comfortably, without suffering, Chris drifted off to be with the Lord at 7:25 this morning. It is up to the rest of us to live life to the fullest in order to fill the void that we will all feel because we knew and loved Chris."

"I know, before the game, they had a tailgate to benefit the young man," said Jeffrey Cano of Friday night's football game. Cano and his 14-year-old son were in town to cheer on his nephew who played football on the team with Fischer.

On Saturday, Fischer's parents announced their son's death via his CaringBridge page.

Krenz tells 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS there is a defibrillator on the field, and that all coaches are trained in CPR.


Story Credit: http://kstp.com/news/austin-minnesota-student-football-player-dies-complications-cardiac-arrest-week-after-collapsing-at-practice/4593899/